Rotatable Endoscope Bending Section for Tortuous Path Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in navigating complex anatomical paths due to limited flexibility, stiffness, and the risk of microbial contamination, leading to difficulties in patient safety and effective disinfection.
Innovation Solution
An orientation controller connected to an endoscopic device with a rotatable bending section, allowing for independent rotation of the inner shaft within the outer shaft without changing the insertion unit's position, combined with disposable components made of non-metal materials for enhanced flexibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional endoscopes use rigid structures for strength, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and ease of navigation through tortuous paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope shaft is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. The bending section can be deflected in specific directions while the insertion unit maintains its position, allowing the distal tip to navigate tortuous anatomical paths without requiring the entire shaft to be flexible or rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including rotatable bending sections and adjustable stiffness elements that allow real-time modification of the shaft's mechanical properties. The operator can change the stiffness of specific sections to adapt to different anatomical environments, transitioning between rigid and flexible states as needed.
2Productivity
If conventional endoscopes are made reusable for cost efficiency, then productivity is improved, but risk of microbial contamination and patient safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is designed as a single-use disposable device that is discarded after a single patient procedure. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes and ensures complete elimination of microbial contamination risks between patients, while the low cost of the disposable unit makes it economically viable.
3Strength
If conventional endoscopes use metal components for strength, then strength is improved, but ease of disinfection and patient safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope components are manufactured from non-metallic materials such as polymers and composite materials that can be easily sterilized using various methods including autoclaving, chemical sterilants, and radiation. These materials maintain sufficient strength for the application while being completely compatible with standard medical sterilization processes, eliminating the need for special handling procedures.
4Device complexity
If conventional endoscopes have limited control over stiffness along the shaft, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different anatomical paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope includes adjustable stiffness elements that can be independently controlled along the shaft length. Operators can modify the stiffness of specific sections to match the requirements of different anatomical paths, such as making certain portions more rigid for structural support or more flexible for navigating bends, providing adaptability without requiring complex overall system redesign.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intubation system comprising an insertion unit to be connected to a bending section of a medical instrument comprising an inner elongated shaft structure being capable of torque transmission around its length axis and an outer elongated shaft structure surrounding the inner elongated shaft structure and having a continuous outer surface, and an orientation controller being attached to the inner elongated shaft, such that when the orientation controller rotates, the bending section turns around itself.